If you are an Optimum West insured, are affected by the wildfires in British Columbia and require immediate claims assistance, please contact us at 1-800-663-0597 during business hours and 1-877-806-8023 after hours. You can also send an email at claims@optimumwest.bc.ca

In the event of damage to your business or farm

Your business is your source of income and is important to you. When unfortunate events occur, you want to solve the problem as soon as possible. We, along with your independent broker, are here to help you set things right!

Water damage

• Call for emergency assistance if you feel it is necessary depending on the severity of the damage.

• If you think water is coming from your pipes, find the water valve of the building and shut it off. Turn off the power but make sure you're not standing in water with chance of electrocution. Close the gas lines.

After the flooding

• If you are able to do so by yourself (depending of the damages), remove the stagnant water with buckets, towels, etc. to limit the damage and to protect items that are not already damaged.

• Dry the area by opening the windows, turning on fans, etc.

• Do not throw away any items that have been damaged. If necessary, put them outside.

• Start disinfecting the area if you can do it by yourself.

• Take pictures and/or videos of the damage if possible.

• Call your broker to advise him of your loss and discuss next steps. If he/she is not available, you can call us directly.

• Let us help you at this difficult time and feel free to ask your broker and/or Optimum staff as many questions as you want.

Theft and vandalism

• If you notice signs of theft, remain outside and call the police. Be careful, it is possible that the thief is still inside.

• Answer the police officers' questions with as much detail as possible.

• Take note of the police report number.

• While the police officers are with you, record the inventory of the stolen and damaged items. Give it to the police officers and keep a copy for yourself.

• Do not throw away any damaged items.

• Take pictures if possible.

• Call your broker to advise him of your loss and discuss next steps. If he is not available, you can call us directly.

• Let us help you at this difficult time and feel free to ask your broker andor Optimum staff as many questions as you want.

Fire

• Call for emergency assistance and make sure everyone is safe

Once the fire is extinguished

• Do not turn on the utilities or walk on floors that have been damaged by fire. Wait for the emergency services to allow you to go back into the building without risk.

• Call your broker to advise him of your loss and discus next steps. If he is not available, you can call us directly.

• Keep all receipts for refunds, including relocation and meals.

• Make sure you have the inventory of your property. If you do not already have it, you can fill out the form we prepared for you here. It is very important not to throw away anything that could have been damaged by the fire before the inventory has been done. In case of doubt, ask your broker or someone of the Optimum team before throwing anything away.

• Take pictures if possible.

• Let us help you at this difficult time and feel free to ask your broker and/or Optimum staff as many questions as you want.

Natural disaster (wind, hail or ice)

• Call for emergency assistance if you feel it is necessary depending of the severity of the damage caused by wind, hail or ice.

• Take pictures if possible.

• Record the inventory of damaged items and structures.

• Call your broker to advise him of your loss and discus next steps. If he is not available, you can call us directly.

• Let us help you at this difficult time and feel free to ask your broker and/or Optimum staff as many questions as you want.